OFA at a glance | Oregon Falconers Association

HISTORY: Oregon Falconers Association (OFA) was formed in 1977 after the sport was legalized in our state.

CURRENT: Our members come from all corners of the state. We hunt with trained accipiters, falcons, hawks, eagles, and hybrids. To include account for such geographic diversity, we are governed by a President and by a Board of Directors that represent 3 state regions plus a statewide position.

DEFINITION: Falconry is using a trained raptor to take wild quarry in its natural state. An ancient sport that is over 4,000 years old, falconry has been practiced around the world – from the Steppes of Mongolia to moorlands of Scotland. Today it is practiced around the state of Oregon by over 100 licensed falconers. Falconry was added by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultrual Organization to the list of of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity (see NAFA link).

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Association is:

To improve, aid and encourage competency in the art and sport of Falconry. To encourage and support raptor conservation and management within the state.

To represent the interests of its members with State and Federal agencies in matters affecting raptors and falconry in Oregon.

To recognize the cultural heritage and history of falconry. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists falconry as Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity. For over 4000 years, falconry as a hunting method has retained an unbroken thread of tradition. For nearly 200 generations in an unbroken chain of intangible heritage, falconers worldwide have passed along their knowledge and skills bringing this art to us in the 21st century. Today’s modern lifestyle and rapid urbanization have restricted opportunities to practice falconry. This has lead to a dangerous decline in many countries. UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage lists ensure signatory governments protect traditions such as falconry.

INTENTION
We therefore declare our intention to devote the efforts of the Association to the improvement and furtherance of five aspects of the sport of falconry and raptor management and conservation in Oregon.

The field sport of Falconry.
The breeding of raptors in captivity.
The rehabilitation of injured raptors.
Conservation and scientific research of raptors.
The preservation of the history of Oregon Falconry and promote its continued presence in the State.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

How to Get Started – click here to learn more for those interested in pursuing falconry

OFA Falconry Ethics – read our position on conservation of raptors, fair chase, sponsorship, and more…